Two Historic 100’s.
I am extremely honored to be one of two riders in the country to have completed both the Big Horn 100 and Western States Tevis 100 in 2010, only two weeks apart. Dave Rabe was the other rider and to have accomplished these 100’s in the company of such an amazing horseman and AERC Hall of Fame rider is humbling beyond compare.
Both Dave and I rode these 100’s in EasyCare Glue-On boots.
In May 2009 I made the leap to pull the shoes on all our horses. The transformation in the their health, sure-footedness and evolution of my own life with horses has been outstanding.
I had always ridden in Original Easyboots over shoes when needed and been happy with the results. I have known for sometime that barefoot seemed like a much better option for the horses but was never confident enough with the products on the market to make the leap. Then I saw the Glove and everything changed. I loved that it fit so snugly around the hoof: not too big and no slapping the ground as they moved along; no extra hardware, cables or buckles to deal with.
To say change is easy would be ridiculous, as most of us know. Any change takes time and an openness to explore new things, gain knew knowledge and start from the beginning. Just taking the shoes off is not enough. I encourage you to embrace this process. The benefits will pay off larger than you can imagine.
I started trimming my own horses about a year ago, adjusted the diet and now have strong horses with tough feet and ride in boots that that I love. The year has brought me two horses, strong, sound and eager. This could not have happened without EasyCare and their guidance, support and boots. It brought us to Big Horn and Tevis.
Big Horn 100 was not as a hard a ride as Tevis for me. The footing on Big Horn is wonderful, the views are stunning, the wild flowers are endless and if your horse can handle the huge climb up and remain at elevation for most of the event, you will likely have a great day. I don’t think Tevis has as large a single climb as Big Horn. But Tevis is relentless in its elevation change and the first canyon is definitely steeper than anything you will encounter at Big Horn. Tevis has some wonderful places to really move out, but it is also a rocky trail and requires a horse that is stable on its feet and has no issues with hard ground.
Both these rides should be on all endurance riders’ bucket lists: a must-do. Both offer trails that are breathtaking, challenging, fulfilling and life-changing. I encourage you to get your boots on and ride two of the countries most historic and honored trails – it can be done!
Two 100’s, two buckles in two weeks on two horses! Rock on and happy trails.
Rusty Toth
